Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the presser after the team’s 2-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday evening. Ancelotti was asked about the schedule, and how little time they have had to rest and prepare for the match. He said: ”The explanation is that this team has something special, character, commitment, but they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them. We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3rd. Even more so today. It’s the last time we’ll play before 72 hours. We’ll never do it again. We’ve asked LaLiga to change the schedule twice, and nothing has happened. It’s the last time.”

Ancelotti on the team’s performance against Villarreal

“The team was able to withstand the difficult moments, which were present in the first half of both halves. Then, little by little, we started to control the ball better and looked for opportunities. We had two goals from Mbappé, and some counterattacks that could have been better in the second half.”

Ancelotti on how proud he is of the team

“Yes, I’m very proud. It was a tricky game, because of everything we went through, the hours of rest, and the strength of the opponent. They’re a good team, but we struggled physically. The team ended up exhausted, which is quite normal. It’s a victory that speaks volumes about this team and the resources of this squad.”

Ancelotti on whether he will watch Atleti-Barcelona on Sunday

“It was important for us to win today. I’m going to watch Atleti-Barça, of course; it will be very entertaining. As a fan. Tomorrow I’ll be a football fan. And nothing else.”